In Rajasthan, a save-trees project grows roots

JAIPUR: Rajasthan will soon become the first state in the country to conduct a tree census. Provisions for a census are a mandatory part the Rajasthan Trees (plantation and protection in urban areas) Bill likely to be introduced in assembly this budget session.

The bill, which has been in the works for a long time, has been given an in-principal approval by the state government. On Tuesday, the state law review committee of the advocate general's (AG) office submitted the final draft and rules of the bill. Chief secretary C K Mathew has also asked concerned departments of law, finance and local self government to finalize the modalities so that it can be presented before the cabinet soon.

The bill suggests a yearly census of protected tree by March-end each year. It stresses on a ward-wise survey of trees, empowering chief tree warden to appoint enumerators in sufficient numbers for the purpose. Each enumerator will have to record the numbers on the trees in the ward in the same way numbering is done on houses in municipal areas.

"Tree census has been introduced for the first time anywhere in the country. This is to ensure that saplings are not just planted but also grow into healthy tress. It will also help us to monitor whether we are moving in the right direction or not," said G S Bapna, advocate general.

According to the bill, planting a tree is mandatory for all plot holders. Non-compliance attracts a penalty upto Rs 500 while observance may lead to a deduction in urban land tax. The bill also places strict clauses on cutting or uprooting of trees.

In unavoidable circumstances, however, the bill has provisions for cutting trees but only after a written permission from the chief tree warden of the municipality. Along with it proof of planting a new tree needs to be shown in an application form and a fee of Rs 5,000 deposited.

"It is a very important bill and its implementation will help in increasing greenery in urban areas. The law is such that it encourages people to grow more and more saplings and discourages any move to cut them. Adding incentives for growing trees has been introduced for the first time" added Bapna.

For implementation of the act each municipality will appoint or designate chief tree warden and tree wardens for cluster of wards. State government will lay down the condition of service of officers and other staff.

Bill also proposes to provide incentives to the municipalities for growing new plants/trees. The incentives will be paid in installments but only after certification of chief tree warden.

"The municipalities do not have enough funds to go for a plantation drive. But if they go for it government will surely provide them some financial support and incentives," added a member of the committee.

The bill also lays emphasis on upkeep of existing public parks and details rules on how they should be maintained and protected. It also proposes on establishing of new parks and suggests the government support by creating a separate corpus for such initiatives.